At a time when fast food and chain restaurants offer dining options for nearly every preference, family-owned and operated establishments can get overlooked. Unless, of course, they are part of a community’s culture.
One such eatery has established itself as an Orlando landmark and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month: Beefy King.
History of Beefy King
Beefy King served its first roast beef sandwiches in 1968 in Orlando. The restaurant’s founder, Tom Viegle, came up with the idea during a trip to New York City where he visited a similar restaurant and decided it could be the next big hit for the restaurant industry. Within a year of opening, Viegle sold the business to Freeman and Margaret Smith, whose grandchildren now run the restaurant. Although the company expanded and went public, it never took off as a franchise. Only one Beefy King remained open – the original restaurant on Bumby Avenue.
The Ambience
The inside of Beefy King is what you’d expect for a sandwich shop. A stainless-steel counter just inside the door serves as the hub of the restaurant and a large menu board hangs on the paneled back wall. Booths and tables offer an informal place to sit, and sauces and other condiments at a do-it-yourself station provide variety for diners. Service is typically fast and employees are friendly.
On the Menu
The menu boasts being the “Home of the Real Roast Beef Sandwich,” but over the years has expanded to include ham, turkey, pastrami and corned beef. The sandwiches come with just meat and a bun, but can be made to order with lettuce, onions, cheese and tomatoes. Meal deals and platters come with spuds (tater tots) and a drink. Other options are available, whether it’s combo sandwiches with two meats, or salads. If you can’t figure out what to order, go with the roast beef. It’s the star attraction and the recommendation for all first-timers to the restaurant. The meat is fresh and delicious, and the spuds are crunchy.
Beefy King’s Hours
Beefy King is located at 424 North Bumby Avenue, between Colonial Drive and Robinson Street. It is open Monday through Friday fro 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Beefy King is closed on Sunday.
FM Notes: For its 50th anniversary, Saturday, June 2, Beefy King is offering a 50% discount for the original beef and ham sandwiches, tater tots and soda. Given the popularity of this restaurant on a regular day, you can expect to stand in line or wait in the drive through a little longer. Fifty years is a big deal, so if you’ve got the time, stop by and join the celebration.
